Not to be harsh but wouldn't a Segway with a support frame and hand controls be easier to maneuver.

Wheelchair-bound? Sure, I am in a wheelchair now, but I had 19 years before my head injury. I am positive a few wheelchair users also had a walking life before assistance needs. This walking aid in the article is a great new walking aid tool (but frankly; I prefer comfort, safety, speed a wheelchair provides- that is another subject though).
I am just a little annoyed with that term "wheelchair-bound" - as if life and getting around ended.

Perhaps this will be more economical than the many other powered sit-to-stand wheelchairs that are already available or have novel and useful features. Otherwise, it's an exercise in re-invention.

The effects of a sedentary lifestyle (lots of sitting) are bad enough for the able-bodied. For those who have mobility challenges this can be a Godsend, especially if its design allows it to navigate the real world.

Almost a year ago, a Turkish company built and began selling a very similar device for disabled, paralysed people. It has the ability to help people get out of the bed, indeed.

Terminology: The last time I was Wheelchair Bound was when I was on the way to pick up a new one.
We are not bound nor tethered to our wheelchairs, they provide freedom of mobility.

Yes, it seems a lot like the iBOT wheelchair by Johnson and Johnson developed years ago, see more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBOT The only thing different here by these researchers seems to be that the chair takes the seated person to a full stretch body position which may work for some people with some disabilities (i.e., not all wheelchair users can or should go into a "standing" position). On the other hand there's a lot of exeskeleton research prototypes (smaller, cheaper, and more fun) elsewhere that hold the person with a spinal injury in a standing position for walking or whatever. Did these researchers miss all these others in their haste to "help the handicapped"?

As someone who needs WC's occassionally and build my own something like this unit, which has been done many times before, is a good step up from the current ones available.
I'd think a large comfort bicycle style seat bottom with a back that keeps the same angle would work best
And no reason these can't go 15-20mph with 50 mile range to allow those who need them real independence without the hassle of loading, unloading into a car whenever one need to go over 1 mile.
Bigger batteries for the range actually cost less than the smaller ones!!

You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. There is no need to use harsh language towards the inventor or author.
I also use a wheelchair for mobility and safety reasons. When possible, I try to educate people re: preferred language. We use our wheelchairs but are not bound to them nor do we define ourselves as disabled people but as people with disabilities.
I appreciate the fact that people want to invent new and better ways for people with mobility limitations to get around. It is much healthier to spend at least part of your day upright.

and the wheel is reinvented one more time...